Addicted to you-Chapter 47: Scheme

Yeri scoffed bitterly. "Doesn't matter. It's not about feelings. People like him have responsibilities... obligations. Even if he hates it, he can't run from it."

A long pause followed. Nina opened her mouth, then closed it again. There wasn't a right thing to say.

Yeri gave a small, crooked smile and raised one hand dramatically like she was making a solemn toast. "But hey, I'm actually relieved. I mean, c'mon. He's way out of my league. And most importantly... there's nothing between us. No real feelings."

Nina nodded slowly—but inside, she wasn't convinced. She'd seen the way Shin Keir looked at Yeri while the two were dancing, and the worry from Yeri's face when Shin Keir was running a fever at that time.

But maybe tonight wasn't the time to say that.

"Alright, miss heartbreak." Nina helped her up and guided her to the bed, gently unzipping the back of her dress and replacing it with a soft sleep shirt.

Yeri mumbled something unintelligible, curled up like a sleepy cat, and pulled the blanket over her head.

Nina turned off the lights, smiling faintly. "Get some rest. You survived your debut party. That alone deserves an award."

She slipped out of the room, leaving Yeri softly snoring in the quiet.

---

Linda quietly opened the hotel room door. The soft click echoed in the silence as she stepped inside and flipped on the lights. She nearly screamed seeing a pale figure from the shadows of the dimly lit room.

"Venice!" she gasped, clutching her chest. "You nearly gave your mother a heart attack! What are you doing awake at this hour? It's past 2 a.m.!"

Venice sat stiffly on the sofa, her skin ghostly pale under the light, dark circles smudging beneath her eyes like bruises. She didn't bother to hide her glare.

"Where have you been all this time?" she snapped. "Do you have any idea how that witch Yeri humiliated me tonight?!"

Linda blinked in confusion, then scoffed, trying to regain composure. "I was at the banquet, of course... with your father."

"Hah!" Venice let out a mocking laugh. "Oh, really? And what were you tonight—his assistant again? Maybe a friend of the family? Or was it maid this time?" Her voice dripped with sarcasm. "Wake up, Mom. Aren't you tired? It's been two years since the divorce was finalized and he still hasn't given you the title you deserve!"

"Enough!" Linda snapped, her voice sharp with both anger and anxiety. She moved to the chair across from her daughter, smoothing her skirt as she sat, forcing calm into her breathing. "Your father just needs more time. He wants to avoid any scandal, especially rumors about you being an illegitimate child. This is a delicate period for him at the company—we can't afford any kind of trouble."

Venice's expression didn't soften. She folded her arms and leaned back, unimpressed.

Excuses, she thought bitterly.

Her father never came to her school events, not once. He barely remembered her birthdays. Sure, he brought her to banquets sometimes, but never to the truly elite ones—the kind that actually mattered, the kind where power and connections were made with a single handshake.

And tonight, as much as it made her blood boil to admit it, Yeri's debut had been the event of the year.

Grand. Lavish. Unforgettable.

Even the most powerful families sent representatives. Shin Keir himself had attended. The way people flocked to Yeri, the way she stood there glowing in that obscenely expensive gown—it was unbearable.

"Don't tell me you let that dead girl provoked you again," Linda said gently, reaching out to hold Venice's hand. "I've told you over and over—be patient. Don't let anyone drive a wedge between you and your father. He's doing what he can. Didn't he give us an apartment? A monthly allowance?"

"And that's enough for you?!" Venice shot to her feet, pacing the floor like a caged animal. "They said her debut wouldn't be that grand—but you saw it! That dress alone must've cost a fortune. And Shin Keir danced with her! Even Saeki Jie went out of his way to give her his business card! She didn't even ask—he just offered! Do you understand how insane that is?"

Linda waved her hand dismissively. "It's just a business card. If she doesn't need it, it's worthless."

Venice stomped her foot, frustration boiling over. "You don't get it! Why does she get everything handed to her, even the things she doesn't want? She gets sick and Uncle Klaus throws money at the best doctors. She skips classes and still gets into the best school. She acts spoiled and arrogant and they still dote on her! And now—now she's caught Shin Keir's attention and Saeki Jie's!"

She whirled around, eyes flashing. "If she keeps climbing, do you really think she'll let us anywhere near the Zhi fortune? Forget the company—after tonight, it's clear she won't show us any face."

Linda frowned, her brows knitting together in thought. "There's no way Shin Keir actually likes that dead girl. Aside from her face, there's nothing special about her. With that weak body of hers, I doubt she could even carry a child. If anything, she'll end up as Saeki Jie's plaything—men in that world always have a lineup of pretty faces chasing them."

Venice clenched her fists. "I don't care! That stupid, dirty dog of hers embarrassed me in front of Young Master Keir, and he defended the dog!" She huffed, nostrils flaring. "If only I knew they liked dogs, I would've brought my own golden retriever."

"And what if she decides to enter the entertainment industry just to spite me?" Venice continued. "With Saeki Jie backing her, she'll succeed without even trying!"

Linda narrowed her eyes slightly. "Why are you so hung up on Saeki Jie? Do you like him?"

Venice tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "And if I do?"

Linda sighed, patting the seat beside her. "Sit down, Venice."

When her daughter finally sat, Linda softened her tone. "Look, I know the appeal—he's rich, powerful, admired. But men like him? They're unstable. Always chasing the next thing. If that girl really can get anything she wants, then so can you. She's lucky to be born into a powerful family, but without her father's influence, would Shin Keir have even noticed her? I heard Jj knows them too—maybe we can use that to your advantage. It's time you started building real connections in their circle."

Venice paused, watching her mother carefully. "Are you saying I should go after Shin Keir instead? Don't tell me you haven't heard the rumors about him."

"Rumors are just that—rumors," Linda said firmly. "If they were true, do you think he'd have danced with that dead girl?"

In truth, Linda didn't want Venice to repeat her mistakes.

She had loved Nolan Zhi—at least the version she imagined—but mostly, she loved his wealth. Yet deep down, she'd always resented that he wasn't Klaus Zhi. He was the true head of the Zhi family.

If she had married him instead of that naïve woman, Zenia, her life would have been entirely different. She'd be living like royalty now.

But since fate hadn't given her that chance, she would make sure Venice didn't end up like her.

Why settle for the general when you can catch the emperor?

Venice straightened, her voice resolute. "I don't care. I need that business card. Yeri doesn't even know how to use it."

Linda sighed, rubbing her temples. She was too tired to argue. "Fine. We'll talk about it tomorrow. I need sleep."

Venice didn't reply. She sat back on the sofa, eyes simmering with silent determination.

She would get that card.

She would get noticed.

---

Venice left the room, the air inside too stifling with thoughts swirling like a storm in her head. The hotel corridor was quiet, dimly lit with golden sconces that cast long shadows. She walked slowly at first, arms folded, letting her feet guide her while her thoughts looped around the same obsession: that card.

She told herself she just needed a breather—maybe check out the hotel's amenities, take a peek at the spa, or walk past the pool deck to clear her head. But even as she stepped into the elevator and hit the ground floor button, her thoughts spiraled back to her.

Yeri, too dim to even understand the power she held in her hands. That business card from Saeki Jie—it didn't belong in her possession. It was wasted on her.

As the elevator descended, a reckless idea bloomed.

What if... what if she could trick Yeri into opening the door? freёnovelkiss.com

Venice bit her lower lip. She was drunk earlier—maybe even passed out by now. It wouldn't take much. A fake knock, a few sweet words, and she'd have access. The card would be hers in seconds.

The elevator dinged.

She stepped out casually, eyes flicking down the hallway where Yeri's suite was located. Her heart was already racing at the plan forming in her mind.

But then—Venice froze mid-step.

A tall man had just appeared at the end of the corridor. Dressed in a black coat and a plain tennis hat, his head was bowed, face partially obscured by shadows. He glanced around once, then reached for the door to Yeri's suite and entered.

Venice's breath caught in her throat. Her body locked into place.

What... what did I just see?